1884 Seated Liberty Dime

About This Coin

The 1884 Seated Liberty Dime is a United States dime from the Seated Liberty Dimes 1837-1891 series — a late issue, 48th of 55 years in the series. In 1884, coins were struck at the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 3.9 million. This ranks 39th of 55 years by total mintage, above the series median of 2.1 million. The obverse features Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole surmounted by a Phrygian liberty cap in her left hand and a shield inscribed LIBERTY in her right and the reverse displays an agricultural wreath enclosing the denomination (through 1859) or a wreath enclosing ONE DIME with the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (1860-1891). Struck during the Gilded Age of rapid industrialization and the great silver debates, when monetary policy shaped elections and economic destiny. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 2.5 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Produced 5 years after the celebrated 1879 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $23 to $1.3K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $39K in MS65 grade at David Akers. Designed by James Barton Longacre.